Questions and Answers

At the last minute, I decided to fly from NY to ATL to visit my sister. I guess this is school vacation week, because fares are outrageous — everywhere and every airline. So, my flight from NY to ATL is: LGA to BOS — BOS to CLT — CLT to ATL. Leaving at 11 AM and arriving in ATL at about 10 PM.

I have no status, but have earned about 20k AA Advantage miles, and once even got a free upgrade to first class!

Anyway, do you think if I asked nicely, AA might book me on a more direct itinerary to ATL? If so, when should I ask? Tomorrow? At the check-in desk?

Yes, I know AA is under no obligation to do this — but I’m just curious if you think it might be a possibility.

Thanks for your time.

I assume this is a cash ticket, not an award ticket? If it’s an award ticket you can change your routing as long as your starting and ending points remain the same. If it’s a cash ticket then you’re pretty much stuck – unless weather becomes an issue, in which case they may issue a fee change waiver.

There’s no harm asking but I wouldn’t expect any changes. Yes check at the check in counter and/or the gate. There will likely be pretty hefty change fees.

You can call ask but what you’ll probably be told is that you’d have to pay a change fee and the fare difference.

I’m not sure you can standby on a direct flight when your original ticket includes connections…